Applications For an iPad Besides TechWeb

The iPad has revolutionized the way businesses mobilize their workforce. An entirely new platform has emerged in just one short year, and many companies are now releasing their own tablet computers based upon different mobile operating systems (Android/Honeycomb, Windows 7/8, Blackberry, etc.). What all of these tablets have in common is the ability to conveniently access the internet with wi-fi and/or 3G/4G service. TechWeb is a web-based application and therefore runs on virtually all tablet devices regardless of manufacturer.


One important distinction (at least at the time of this post) however is the number of applications available by developers for each tablet. Apple by far has the greatest number of native applications available for the iPad, and therefore most businesses benefit the most by adopting this device as their standard tablet. There are many applications that security professionals can take advantage of to widen the use of their investment in the iPad. Here are just a few suggestions (many of these categories have more than one application available):

• PDF Expert - An excellent PDF viewing and annotation application that allows you to write over a PDF for markups. Perfect for capturing signatures on PDF documents, drawing sketches over existing PDF's etc.
• AudioNote - Extremely useful application for taking notes during meetings or client visits AND recording the conversation at the same time. Best feature is the audio recording is time-stamped with the notes being entered so that during playback you can tap on any word of your notes  and the audio is played back from the exact moment you typed that word. Can email or upload notes and audio to your main system. No longer any disagreements as to what was said or promised.
• Photos (included) - Create a photo gallery of your installations and show them to prospective clients during sales meetings. With the built-in camera on the iPad2, it's now easy to shoot and save to your gallery. Application such as SortShots extends the photo viewer built into the iPad and allows you to categorize photos based upon numerous keywords for easy selection (i.e. home theater installs, security installs, corporate vs residential, etc.)
• SpeedTest - Not so much a productivity application as it is a useful utility to check the speed of your wireless connection. Valuable when diagnosing slow access speeds.
• LogMeIn - One of the most popular remote-access applications to view your desktop computer back in the office. Although using remote-access on a tablet is not the best user experience, it provides valuable access when needed to your office systems.
• TomTom - one of a number of GPS mapping applications
• Apple MobileMe - Ever needed to keep track of where your technicians are at any moment? With an Apple MobileMe subscription, one of it's many features is the ability to find the exact location of an iPad (or iPhone) by viewing it on a map. Also allows the disabling and erasing of a devices content if the device is lost or stolen.
• DropBox - Shares files between your office computer and ipad by simply dragging.

These are just a few of the thousands of applications that extend the value of an Ipad for your organization beyond TechWeb.

Tech Tip: How to bill just dealer accounts.

You can easily bill just your dealer account. To do this go to INVOICES on the menu bar then select RECURRING INVOICES. Select the date range if necessary, select your options i.e. remarks etc. Then at the bottom of the window where it shows STARTING CUSTOMER ACCOUNT NAME or ACCOUNT NUMBER. Enter the word DEALER (all caps) and click OK to start. This will skip your regular recurring customers and bring up the DEALER BILLING window. Then just process as you normally would.

Z-Micro Technologies Web Site

iPad and Field Service

The iPad is an extremely versatile device with tremendous potential for use among your office and field workers. On a beautiful 9" display you can use the iPad for almost unlimited uses. GPS mapping, social networking, communicating with your office, remotely logging into your office PC, checking weather, recording important conversations (while note-taking) with clients and prospects, browsing the internet in full-page mode, and so much more. Now, coming in the fall a revolutionary new product from Z-Micro Technologies will turn your iPad or iPhone (and other mobile devices such as Android, Mobile 7 Windows, etc.) into a mobile field service system with TechWeb, a live integrated service directly accessing your Alarm data on your office servers. TechWeb is designed for technicians or anyone in your organization who requires fast and comprehensive access to their client data including zone details, installed equipment, service history, support notes, inventory, appointment calendar and more. Watch here and on our website over the coming months for more information.

New Website Design

As those of you who may have visited our main Z-Micro website in the last few weeks noticed, we have a new face on the web. After a number of years of staying with the same design, we launched our new website last month. Beyond a fresh new look, this redesign allows easy accessibility from mobile devices as well such as an iPad or iPhone. If you haven't had a chance to visit yet, check it out at www.z-microtech.com

Welcome

Welcome to the Z-Micro Technologies blog. We will be posting items of special interest, tips and techniques, new product announcements, and general items of interest regarding our software and services for the security industry. From recurring billing and service invoicing, to service management, scheduling, inventory control, proposal writing, automated emailing and much more, Z-Micro Technologies is the source for software solutions for your security company. Come on by and visit us often!